Concentrations of arsenic and other elements in groundwater of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India: Potential cancer risk

We investigated the concentrations of 23 elements in groundwater from arsenic (As) contaminated areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India to determine the potential human exposure to metals and metalloids. Elevated concentrations of As was found in all five study areas that exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 10. μg/L. The mean As concentrations in groundwater of Noakhali, Jalangi and Domkal, Dasdia Nonaghata, Deganga and Baruipur were 297. μg/L, 262. μg/L, 115. μg/L, 161. μg/L and 349. μg/L, respectively. Elevated concentrations of Mn were also detected in all areas with mean concentrations were 139. μg/L, 807. μg/L, 341. μg/L, 579. μg/L and 584. μg/L for Noakhali, Jalangi and Domkal, Dasdia Nonaghata, Deganga and Baruipur, respectively. Daily As intakes from drinking water for adults and the potential cancer risk for all areas was also estimated. Results suggest that mitigation activities such as water treatment should not only be focused on As but must also consider other elements including Mn, B and Ba. The groundwater used for public drinking purposes needs to be tested periodically for As and other elements to ensure the quality of drinking water is within the prescribed national guidelines.